Basil is a popular, easy-to-grow herb that many gardeners (and chefs) adore. Its delicious leaves bring a delightful blend of sweet, peppery, and clove-like flavors to a variety of dishes.
However, while basil complements many plants, there are some that it shouldn’t be paired with, not because this herb is detrimental, but because of differing soil and nutrient needs. Here, we asked gardening experts about which plants make bad companions for basil.
Meet Our Expert
Related: How to Grow and Care for Basil Plants—Indoors and Outside
Rue
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Rue (Ruta graveolent) and basil are chemically incompatible.
“Rue can stunt basil’s growth due to allelopathic effects, [which are] plant chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants,” says Ankit Singh, an assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension.
Additionally, rue attracts certain pests that basil typically deters, creating a conflicting defense system.
Cucumber
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Basil and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) can complement each other in a dish, but they don’t grow well together in the garden.
“Basil can inhibit cucumber growth, and cucumbers tend to spread out, blocking sunlight from reaching the sun-loving basil,” says Singh.
Additionally, there’s a pest risk, as cucumber beetles may ignore the basil, which undermines basil’s role as a pest repellent.
Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is not a suitable companion plant for most herbs and vegetables, including basil, says Singh.
This yellow, aromatic herb releases allelopathic chemicals that can hinder the growth of nearby plants. It also poses a growth conflict, as it can aggressively compete for soil nutrients and space in the garden.
In addition, fennel prefers dry, slightly alkaline soil, whereas basil needs moist, fertile soil. If you enjoy the flavor of fennel and want to cultivate it, consider growing it in a large container instead.
Related: 12 Plants You Should Never Grow Next to Fennel—and Why, According to Gardening Experts
Sage
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Sage (Salvia officinalis) and basil have distinctly different gardening requirements. Sage thrives in dry, sandy soil and is prone to root rot in overly wet conditions; basil flourishes in moist, nutrient-rich, fertile soil.
If you attempt to grow both in the same garden bed, one will likely struggle to thrive, says Emily Scott, owner of Scott Farm in Maine. To ensure success, give each herb its own tailored environment in separate spaces.
Thyme
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“Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is similar to sage as it thrives in drier soil and is more prone to root rot,” says Scott.
Basil, on the other hand, flourishes in nitrogen-rich soil. Planting them together may lead to one herb struggling. Instead, Scott recommends growing them in separate containers placed close to each other, as thyme’s aromatic scent can act as a natural bug repellent for basil.
Cabbage
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Planting cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and basil together can hinder their growth.
Cabbage grows best in cooler temperatures, ideally between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, while basil thrives in warmer conditions, specifically between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, basil requires full sun, whereas cabbage can tolerate partial shade. However, basil’s strong scent can help repel harmful pests, such as cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles. To maximize the benefits, plant basil in a container and place it near the cabbage.
Kale
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These two greens are quite the contrasting duo. Kale (Brassica oleracea) prefers the cooler temperatures of spring and fall while basil thrives in full sun and summer heat. To help them both flourish, it’s best to keep these two apart—and let each thrive in its own ideal environment.
Related: How to Grow Kale Indoors and Outside for Delicious, Homegrown Superfoods
Melons
Melons (Cucumis melo)—including cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon—tend to spread out and can easily overwhelm basil; planting them too close together may suffocate the herb.
Additionally, melons require a lot of moisture and nutrients for optimal growth. When grown alongside basil, the aromatic plant is likely to be outcompeted for both resources and may also be overshadowed by the larger melon plants.
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